If you’re planning a festive display for your storefront, multi-residential property, or common areas, a safety-first plan saves time and money. Below are five expert tips from local electricians to help you achieve a bright, efficient, and code-compliant setup this season.
Quick answer: Use LEDs with timers, plug outdoor lights into GFCI-protected receptacles, keep connections dry and off the ground, mount with clips (not staples), and call a Licensed Electrical Contractor for complex installs.
1) Choose LEDs, Timers, and Smart Controls
LED holiday strings use far less electricity than incandescent and last much longer—reducing both your utility spend and ladder time. ENERGY STAR® certified LED products are tested for performance and durability; Canadian resources consistently point to meaningful savings versus older tech.
- LED strings can use about 75% less electricity than conventional incandescent holiday lights—ideal for large outdoor displays across commercial façades or condo landscapes.
- LEDs also deliver long service life, which means fewer mid-season replacements and fewer trips up a ladder.
Timers and smart plugs help you automate on/off schedules, align lighting with business hours or condo quiet times, and avoid leaving displays on overnight. The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) even recommends timers as part of holiday safety.
Pro tip: If you’re adding multiple runs and scenes, centralize control with smart outlets or a simple contactor panel—then label circuits for quick troubleshooting later.
2) Outdoor Safety: GFCI, Weather Ratings, and Dry Connections
Outdoor lighting in Ontario must stand up to cold, moisture, and snow. Start with GFCI-protected outdoor receptacles. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC) requires GFCI protection for receptacles outdoors within 2.5 m of grade—standard for most landscape and façade locations.
- Use weather-rated extension cords and light strings approved for outdoor use; never mix indoor-only products in an exterior display. ESA’s holiday guidance is explicit on selecting the right product for the environment.
- Keep all connections off the ground and away from puddles or snowbanks. ESA advises elevating and protecting connections to avoid moisture intrusion and shock risk.
Good practice checklist
- Plug into GFCI receptacles with in-use (“bubble”) covers.
- Use only CSA/UL-approved outdoor strings and cords; read and follow the manufacturer’s loading instructions.
- Route cords where they won’t be pinched in doors or windows, and protect high-traffic areas.
If you’re unsure whether a given circuit can safely handle the added load, have a Licensed Electrical Contractor assess the panel and circuits before you switch on a large display.
3) Mounting and Ladder Safety (Clips, Not Staples)
Mounting hardware matters. Use plastic clips and dedicated hangers—never staples or nails—to prevent damage to insulation jackets that can cause shorts or shocks. ESA’s seasonal safety sheets call this out directly.
Before you start, inspect every string and extension cord. Replace any product with cracked sockets, frayed conductors, or missing bulbs. ESA highlights the importance of checking old décor and replacing damaged items yearly.
Ladders and winter conditions require extra caution:
- Keep ladder feet off ice and snow or secure them properly; don’t work in high winds.
- Maintain three points of contact and don’t overreach; have a second person stabilize long ladders.
- Choose a stepladder about 1 m shorter than your top work height for stability and proper working posture.
4) Plan for Seasonal Light Quality and Layers
Winter days in Ontario are short and often overcast. Design your scheme with layers—ambient, task, and accent—to deliver both visibility and atmosphere across entries, walkways, façades, and gathering areas. For more ideas on how seasonal shifts affect light and ambience (e.g., colour temperature choices), see this overview on seasonal lighting considerations. Nauradika
- Ambient: consistent base lighting for paths and public spaces.
- Task: focused light at entrances, signage, keypads, and loading zones.
- Accent: highlight architectural features, trees, and displays to create a welcoming look that supports wayfinding.
Colour temperature: Cooler whites (around 4000–5000K) can read crisp on snow and stone; warmer whites (2700–3000K) feel cozy for displays and patios. Balance the palette so wayfinding and safety lighting remain clear while decorative elements feel festive.
Energy tip: Combine LED strings with smart scheduling (e.g., dusk-to-10 p.m. on weekdays, later on weekends) to reduce energy use without dimming the experience. Hydro One’s guidance supports LEDs for meaningful savings during the holidays.
5) When to Book a Professional Light Installation Service
Complex layouts, long runs, or older infrastructure are clear signals to bring in a Licensed Electrical Contractor—especially for commercial plazas, multi-residential complexes, and high-visibility storefronts in London, ON. Here’s when to call:
- You’re adding new circuits, combining long runs, or using controllers that need dedicated power.
- Existing exterior receptacles aren’t GFCI-protected or lack in-use covers.
- You’ve found damaged wiring, frequent breaker trips, or unclear load calculations.
- You want a code-compliant, maintainable setup with documented acceptance.
In Ontario, only Licensed Electrical Contractors are permitted to do electrical contracting. Ask for and verify the ECRA/ESA license number, and keep the Certificate of Acceptance for your records.
Who to call in London, ON: J.D. Patrick Electric is ESA Licensed (License #7012576) and serves commercial, industrial, and multi-residential clients across Southwestern Ontario. For lighting installs and seasonal updates, visit Lighting Installation or Contact to start a quote. J.D. Patrick Electric Inc.
Ready to plan a safe, efficient display? Book a walkthrough with our team: Lighting Installation → Contact J.D. Patrick Electric.
FAQs
Is it okay to plug outdoor lights into any exterior outlet?
Use GFCI-protected outdoor receptacles within 2.5 m of grade and protect them with weather-rated, in-use covers. This is part of Ontario code and reduces shock risk.
Do LEDs really save money for holiday lighting?
Yes. Compared with incandescent strings, LED holiday lights typically use about 75% less electricity, and ENERGY STAR-certified products are designed for longevity.
Can I use a staple gun to secure strings under eaves?
No. Use plastic clips and hangers. Staples or nails can pierce insulation and create shock or fire hazards.
How do I avoid moisture problems?
Use outdoor-rated cords and keep all connections elevated—off soil, snow, and puddles. Route cables to prevent pinching in doors or windows.
How do I check if an electrician is licensed in Ontario?
Ask for the ECRA/ESA license number and verify it on ESA’s Find a Contractor tool before hiring.